Cybersecurity threats are more sophisticated than ever, and no business—large or small—is immune. While high-profile breaches often make headlines, the reality is that small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) are constant targets due to weaker network security solutions and limited in-house IT expertise. Attackers no longer distinguish between enterprises and SMBs—they use the same advanced methods across all businesses.
The Huntress 2025 Cyber Threat Report highlights a concerning shift in cybercriminal tactics. Attackers are increasingly leveraging remote access trojans (RATs), ransomware, and exploitation of remote monitoring and management (RMM) tools to infiltrate networks. Additionally, phishing attacks are becoming more deceptive, using AI-generated content and deepfake impersonations to trick employees.
Businesses must proactively address the most common security vulnerabilities before they become costly breaches to stay ahead of these evolving risks. In this blog, we’ll explore 10 critical weaknesses in business networks and provide actionable network security best practices to mitigate these risks.
The Top 10 Network Security Vulnerabilities & How to Fix Them
1. Weak Passwords & Poor Authentication
Easily guessable or reused passwords make businesses vulnerable to credential-stuffing attacks. Hackers use automated tools to test millions of passwords, often gaining access to critical systems within minutes.
Solution: Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) and enforce strong password policies. Use password managers to generate and store complex passwords securely.
2. Unpatched Software & Outdated Systems
Cybercriminals often exploit known vulnerabilities in outdated operating systems, applications, and firmware. In early 2024, a critical vulnerability in ScreenConnect (CVE-2024-1709) was rapidly weaponized by threat actors. Many businesses that delayed patching became easy targets.
Omega Network Solutions, however, responded instantly, patching all affected systems the night the vulnerability was disclosed. This proactive response reflects the importance of vigilance and speed when it comes to security updates.
Solution: Enable automatic updates and implement consistent patch management across all systems. For businesses without dedicated IT teams, partnering with a managed IT services provider ensures critical updates are deployed quickly and systems stay protected against emerging threats.
3. Phishing Attacks & Social Engineering
Employees remain the weakest link. Phishing is still the leading cause of data breaches, with attackers using sophisticated tactics like deepfake-generated emails and QR code phishing.
Solution: Conduct security awareness training, implement email filtering, and run simulated phishing exercises to educate employees on recognizing fraudulent emails.
4. Poorly Configured Firewalls & Security Policies
Firewalls act as the first defense line, but misconfigurations expose networks. Attackers can gain unauthorized access by exploiting open ports, weak rules, or outdated firewall settings.
Solution: Regular firewall audits and rule reviews, as well as using managed firewall security solutions. Implement strict access controls and continuously monitor firewall activity.
5. Insider Threats (Malicious or Accidental)
Employees and contractors with excessive privileges can intentionally or negligently cause security breaches. In 2024, many breaches resulted from compromised employee credentials.
Solution: To identify suspicious behavior, use role-based access controls (RBAC), monitor user activity, and deploy insider threat detection tools.
6. Endpoint Security Gaps
With the rise of remote work and bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies, endpoints such as laptops, mobile devices, and IoT devices are common entry points for attackers.
Solution: Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions and enforce strict device security policies. Regularly update and secure all endpoints to prevent unauthorized access.
7. Cloud Security Misconfigurations
Misconfigured cloud storage, databases, and identity access settings expose sensitive business data to attackers. Many businesses unknowingly leave critical cloud environments publicly accessible.
Solution: Conduct regular cloud security audits, use strong encryption, and implement identity and access management (IAM) solutions to control user permissions.
8. Lack of Network Segmentation
Once inside a network, attackers can move freely if no segmentation controls are in place. This allows them to escalate privileges, access sensitive data, and spread malware.
Solution: Use VLANs and zero-trust principles to limit access between different network segments. Implement least privilege access and enforce micro-segmentation where necessary.
9. Lack of Incident Response Planning
Many businesses do not have a clear plan for responding to security breaches, leading to delays in containment and mitigation. Without a structured response, the impact of an attack can be significantly worse.
Solution: Create and test an incident response plan. Conduct regular drills so employees know how to respond to cyber incidents. Consider investing in cybersecurity insurance for additional protection.
10. Compliance & Regulatory Gaps
Failure to meet IT compliance requirements, such as PIPEDA in Canada, can result in legal penalties and reputational damage. Many organizations struggle to keep up with evolving regulations.
Solution: Conduct compliance audits, follow recognized security frameworks like CIS v8, NIST, or ISO 27001, and consult security experts for regulatory adherence.
Strengthen Your Business Against Cyber Threats
Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and businesses that take a reactive approach to security put themselves at serious risk. Attackers are no longer just targeting large enterprises—SMBs are just as vulnerable due to weaker security practices and outdated assumptions about risk.
Proactive security is the key to minimizing IT security risks and preventing costly breaches. Implementing network security best practices, such as enforcing strong authentication, securing endpoints, and regularly updating software, can significantly reduce vulnerabilities. Investing in managed security services can provide expert-level monitoring and protection for businesses without in-house cybersecurity teams.
Waiting until an attack happens is no longer an option. Assess your security posture today, identify weaknesses, and take action before your business becomes the next target.
It’s Time to Take Action
Are you confident in your network security? Take our IT assessment and assess your IT security now. Don’t wait for a breach to find out. Schedule a consultation with Omega Network Solutions today and protect your business before it’s too late.